Melbourne, Australia – A ceremony held at Australian company, Marand, commemorated the delivery of the first shipment of Australian-made F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter vertical tails.
The Honourable Dr. Denis Napthine, Premier of Victoria and The Honourable Michael Ronaldson, Senator for Victoria representing the Defence Minister, were among the distinguished guests in attendance.
This delivery of the first major air frame components marks an important production milestone for Marand, BAE Systems, and Australia, demonstrating the significant industrial benefits the F-35 program brings to the growing Australian aerospace industry. The work on the F-35 vertical tails is subcontracted to Marand by BAE Systems and is one of the largest planned manufacturing projects for the F-35 in Australia, with 722 ship sets anticipated.
"We take our commitment to international participation very seriously, and today is a very proud day for us, for Marand, and for Australia's F-35 program. In just two years, we have worked side by side with Marand to develop a world class aerostructure facility with a first-rate, repeatable capability for the next 20 to 30 years," said Cliff Robson, senior vice president F-35 for BAE Systems.
David Ellul, managing director of Marand, commented, "This is a major step for Marand to move into the field of aerostructures manufacturing. I am very proud of our team for achieving so much in such a short time with tremendous support from BAE Systems. The unique capability we have established will serve the Australian Defence industry and create high technology Australian jobs for many years to come."
The F-35 Lightning II aircraft will provide the Royal Australian Air Force with a fifth generation fighter capability and benefits the Australian aerospace industry, with more than US$350 million already contracted and US$6 billion in expected manufacturing orders over the life of the program.
"The F-35 is not only transforming the battlefield but also the global aerospace industry. This program is built on a foundation of unprecedented partnerships that not only tie our countries together, but also link our companies with one another. There's really no better example of the true global nature of this program than right here at Marand," said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corp.
Marand is the largest Australian supplier on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program. In addition to the F-35 Vertical Tails program, Marand is the global sole source of the F-35 engine removal and installation trailer.
Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.